Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit
Can you apply?
This grant is for CESU partner organizations conducting research in the Gulf Coast region. Applicants must be a current participating partner of the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The grant supports remote sensing algorithm development and validation of remote sensing data products. Research focuses on monitoring estuarine phytoplankton communities in Barataria estuary and evaluating their role in aquatic food webs.
CESU partnerships include universities, nonprofits, and other research institutions. Partners must demonstrate capacity in environmental research. No cost sharing is required from applicants.
The research must align with wetland protection, water resource management, and coastal ecosystem restoration goals. Projects should support conservation stewardship and science-based natural resource management.
This grant is for CESU partner organizations conducting research in the Gulf Coast region. Applicants must be a current participating partner of the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The grant supports remote sensing algorithm development and validation of remote sensing data products. Research focuses on monitoring estuarine phytoplankton communities in Barataria estuary and evaluating their role in aquatic food webs.
CESU partnerships include universities, nonprofits, and other research institutions. Partners must demonstrate capacity in environmental research. No cost sharing is required from applicants.
The research must align with wetland protection, water resource management, and coastal ecosystem restoration goals. Projects should support conservation stewardship and science-based natural resource management.
Program description
The USGS is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in remote sensing algorithm development and to validate remote sensing data products for evaluating phytoplankton communities in Barataria estuary. The research investigates the effectiveness of using remote sensing technologies to monitor estuarine phytoplankton that are essential lower trophic levels in aquatic food webs.The following Executive Orders (EOs), Secretarial Orders (SOs), and Authorization align with this NOFO. The EOs include EO 14313 – Establishing the President’s Make America Beautiful Again Commission (July 3, 2025) that creates a commission to promote conservation, restore lands and waters, and expand access to public lands, , EO 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science (May 23, 2025) that ensures integrity and rigor in federally funded research, emphasizing transparency and unbiased science for environmental decisions, EO 14239 – Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness (March 19, 2025) that strengthens resilience by empowering state and local governments to make risk-informed infrastructure and preparedness decisions, EO 11990 – Protection of Wetlands (May 24, 1977), which requires federal agencies to minimize destruction or modification of wetlands, and lastly EO 13956 – Modernizing America’s Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure (October 13, 2020) that improves coordination for water resource management and resilience, benefiting wetlands. The SOs include SO 3441-Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science, May 23, 2025 (August 29, 2025) by requiring scientific integrity in restoration planning, ensuring wetlands are managed with evidence-based practices to support resilient ecosystems, SO 3442 – Land and Water Conservation Fund Implementation (September 4, 2025), prioritizes projects improving water quality, flood protection, and wetland restoration, SO 3447 – Expanding Hunting and Fishing Access, Removing Unnecessary Barriers, and Ensuring Consistency Across the Department of the Interior Lands and Waters (January 7, 2026) supports access to restored lands, reinforcing conservation and habitat management, SO 3347 – Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation (March 2, 2017), enhances conservation stewardship and recreation opportunities, including habitats, and SO 3356 – Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation (September 15, 2017), promotes wildlife conservation and habitat restoration,. The Authorization of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) – 33 U.S.C. 2701, 2761, which provides authority for restoration of natural resources injured by oil spill and link can be found here.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for CESU partner organizations conducting research in the Gulf Coast region. Applicants must be a current participating partner of the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The grant supports remote sensing algorithm development and validation of remote sensing data products. Research focuses on monitoring estuarine phytoplankton communities in Barataria estuary and evaluating their role in aquatic food webs.
CESU partnerships include universities, nonprofits, and other research institutions. Partners must demonstrate capacity in environmental research. No cost sharing is required from applicants.
The research must align with wetland protection, water resource management, and coastal ecosystem restoration goals. Projects should support conservation stewardship and science-based natural resource management.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative and technical approach
- Budget and budget justification
- Proof of CESU partnership status
- Organizational qualifications and capacity statement
Program contact
- 👤 Geological Survey
- 📧 rachel_miller@ios.doi.gov
- 📞 916-278-9331
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.808 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$240,000,000
-
$11,148,115
-
$10,533,234
-
$10,055,533
-
$8,476,627
-
$8,454,102
-
$7,659,261
-
$6,894,612
-
$6,800,079
-
$6,644,228
Top States by Funding
- CO 4 awards $245.0M
- CA 18 awards $70.3M
- AK 12 awards $32.6M
- FL 6 awards $22.8M
- WA 3 awards $16.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.808). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2021 | $35,000,000 | |
| 2022 | $157,201,151 | |
| 2023 | $263,107,440 | |
| 2024 | $125,066,719 | |
| 2025 est. | $110,000,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $60,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only current participating partners of the Gulf Coast CESU can apply. Partners typically include universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with CESU agreements.
What is the funding range for this opportunity?
Awards range from $1 to $400,000. The total funding pool is $400,000 available for distribution among selected projects.
What type of research does this grant support?
The grant funds remote sensing algorithm development and validation for monitoring estuarine phytoplankton. Research should evaluate effectiveness of remote sensing technologies in coastal ecosystems.
Is cost sharing required?
No, cost sharing is not required for this grant. You can request full funding for your project.
When is the application deadline?
The fixed deadline is June 29, 2026. There is no rolling acceptance period.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm your organization's CESU partner status before starting your application. Non-partners cannot apply.
- Focus your research on Barataria estuary or broader Gulf Coast phytoplankton monitoring using remote sensing methods.
- Clearly explain how your project aligns with wetland protection and science-based ecosystem management goals.
- Describe the practical applications of your remote sensing data for coastal resource managers and decision-makers.
- Link your work to the Oil Pollution Act restoration authority or other coastal resilience initiatives mentioned in the program.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear connection to remote sensing validation or phytoplankton monitoring focus. Non-CESU partners apply and are automatically ineligible. Proposals fail to address wetland conservation or coastal resilience priorities outlined in the executive and secretarial orders.
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